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The EFL trophy

Reading have announced they will have an academy team playing in this season’s revamped EFL Trophy.

The new format will include 16 invited teams from clubs with category one academies competing against sides from League One and Two.

Initially Reading were not asked to take part but as seven other clubs, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs declined their invitations - Royals have now been included in the competition.

The announcement has led to fans debating whether or not Reading should have accepted their invitation and whether or not the club’s young players will benefit.

So far the opinion seems fairly split - although that will no doubt change should Reading progress towards a Wembley final.

Football returns to RG2

Adam Federici signed for Bournemouth in 2015.

After what has felt like a long summer, Reading return to action at Madejski Stadium on Friday.

Bournemouth are the visitors as Royals play their final pre-season friendly before the 2016/17 Championship campaign gets underway (8pm kick-off).

Some fans who are yet to see Reading in action this summer are looking forward to seeing their first glimpse of the new Jaap Stam era.

And they may get to see a few familiar faces as well - with the likes of Adam Federici and Benik Afobe now playing their football with Eddie Howe’s side.